ietravel's blog

There is a reason the sparkling shoreline of Turkey is called the Turquoise Coast. Not because of any abundance of a certain mineral, but rather for the bright green-blue of its Aegean and Mediterranean waters. However, an even more apt name for the area may be something that pays homage to its historical roots, as everything in the region — from its cliffs to its bays — is steeped in the history and culture of the Lycians, an ancient group of people who made history for their peaceful democratic societies and institutions.

The lush fields covering the mountainsides of Panama’s Chiriquí Highlands in Boquete are home to various forms of wildlife, including the sought-after resplendent quetzal, making nature travel through the countryside memorable for any wildlife or birding enthusiast. But they also produce one of the country's largest exports, a commodity that no traveler should pass by: coffee.

Though sites like Machu Picchu, the Great Pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge may differ from one another in several ways, they are all bound by at least one similarity — distinction as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The prestigious title reflects these locations' unique positions as arbiters of the local culture and as a commanding physical significance for the area in which it is found.

A new species of fungi was recently discovered in the forests of Borneo. Those who travel to Borneo should keep their eyes peeled for a bright orange sponge that vaguely resembles the Nickelodeon character Spongebob Squarepants.

Far beyond the city limits of sparkling Rio de Janeiro lie some of Brazil's most spectacular gems for those seeking genuine nature travel. The striking yellow breast and beak of the saffron toucanet is one such wonder, and can be found in Iguazu National Park (pictured) on a Pantanal expedition.

Nature travel through Borneo’s Mount Kinabulu National Park will bring visitors face to face with thousands of different plant species, as the island hosts more than half the world's species of flowering plants. Orchids — the tall, floral species that most people only encounter at their local grocery stores or greenhouses — flourish here.

South America has much to offer those who are interested in nature travel with the Brazilian Pantanal — the world's largest expanse of wetlands — holding particular esteem among the birdwatching crowd. Ranging between 54,000 and 75,000 square-miles, the Pantanal is home to a wealth of rare and beautiful animals, including more than 1,000 species of birds.